Photo of the Week: Elephants in Goodale Park

December 7, 2011

If you were in Goodale Park this summer, you probably noticed the pond was drained, and some construction was going on. While it's not quite complete yet, a new fountain is being installed, topped by a pair of elephants. This might be incongruous if you don't know the history of the area, so here's a the scoop: From 1870, Columbus was the home of the Sells Brothers Circus, which traveled across the country by rail before it was bought by James Bailey of Barnum and Bailey in 1905. The Sells Brothers shows were famous for their trained elephants.

In the offseason, the Sells Brothers settled into their homes around Goodale Park, lending the lasting name "The Circus House" to this beautiful home at the northwest corner of Goodale Park.

Goodale Park has served many functions since it was laid out in 1851. It was one of the nation's first large urban parks, and at 40 acres, it remains a keystone in the Short North, Harrison West and Victorian Village communities. It has served as a camp for Civil War soldiers, a zoo, and now is the setting for one of the city's biggest events: ComFest .

The park is studded with paths, specimen trees and statuary, and is a great place to while away a few hours.